The rule of Law

In my previous blog post, I had mentioned about the importance of having an effective monitoring and punitive system in place to curb corruption. I will like to introduce a legalist philosopher, Han Feizi (BC 281 ~ BC 233) who is known for his teachings of punishing the wrong doers and rewarding the good performers.

Han Feizi was born during the Spring Autumn Warring States period (BC 475 ~ BC 221). Though this era is remembered as the most tormented time with countless wars and famines, I would also consider it as the renaissance of China. Confucianism, Taoism, Mohism and Legalism were born and shape China for thousands of years. Sun Tzu also wrote his “Art of War” during this period. Fengshui, Yijing and traditional Chinese medicine were further developed and influence the Chinese lives in many ways. Thus one needs to understand Chinese characteristics and behavior by studying this period of development. Yes that is right. The Chinese wisdom and culture were developed from the result of wars, famine, survival in the royal court and the tripartite relationship among the powerful, rich and poor. Consequently the Chinese had learned to be resilient, adaptable and guile too.